VOMITING

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD VOMITING

  1. For Continuous Vomiting, Try Sleeping: Try to go to sleep. (Reason: sleep often empties the stomach and relieves the need to vomit.) When you awaken, resume drinking liquids. Water works best initially.
  2. Clear Liquids: Try to sip small amounts (1 tablespoon) of liquid frequently (every 5 minutes) for 8 hours, rather than trying to drink a lot of liquid all at one time.
    • Sip water or a rehydration drink (e.g. Gatorade or Powerade)
    • Other options: 1/2 strength flat lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
    • After 4 hours without vomiting, increase the amount.
  3. Solid Food:
    • You may begin eating bland foods after 8 hours without vomiting. Start with saltine crackers, white bread, rice, mashed potatoes, cereal, applesauce etc.
    • After 48 hours on a bland diet, you may resume a normal diet.
  4. Avoid Medicines: Discontinue all non-prescription medicines for 24 hours. (Reason: they may make vomiting worse.) Call if vomiting a prescription medicine.
  5. Contagiousness: You can return to work or school after vomiting and fever are gone.
  6. Expected Course: Vomiting from viral gastritis usually stops in 12 to 48 hours. If diarrhea is present, it usually continues for several days.
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Vomiting persists for 48 hours
    • Signs of dehydration occur
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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